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2013 Annual Institute of Buddhist Studies Graduate Student Symposium

Dates:

Saturday, April 13, 2013 (All day)

Buddhist Ritual, Buddhist Culture

Keynote speaker Dr. Justin McDaniel, University of Pennsylvania

Institute of Buddhist Studies, 2140 Durant Avenue, Berkeley

Our theme this year is “Buddhist Ritual, Buddhist Culture.” Buddhist ritual practices are shaped by their location and are affected by the ritual objects. How does the material world determine the ways that Buddhism is practiced? How do Buddhists use ritual objects? In turn, how does Buddhism shape these objects and transform the physical world? What is the impact, for example, on the physical world as a result of religious pilgrimage or tourism? How do Buddhists transform physical objects in the process of ritualization? This symposium will focus on these themes and will consider both historical and contemporary uses of material objects in Buddhist ritual, Buddhism’s impact on cultural materials, and the relationships between Buddhism and sacred objects.

Professor McDaniel’s keynote address is being generously supported by the Yehan Numata Foundation.